Today, Universal Tennis (UTR) and Kim Clijsters Academy announced a partnership to enhance its world class tennis training program with the adoption of UTR Powered by Oracle’s tools and technology to support the growth and development of aspiring professional tennis players.
Founded by Kim Clijsters, a former world No. 1 in both singles and doubles, the winner of four Grand Slam titles, Hall of Famer, and one of tennis’ most celebrated athletes, Kim Clijsters Academy is one of the world’s leading tennis academies. Kim Clijsters Academy is adopting UTR Powered by Oracle as its official player rating system. The academy will leverage UTR’s community platform to organize level-based tennis events, support player development and drive further engagement across its elite tennis programming.
“Kim Clijsters Academy is a boutique style academy that strives to provide each of our players with a personalized, holistic approach to develop their game and we’re excited to incorporate UTR Powered by Oracle’s technology into our program,” said Carl Maes, Director of Kim Clijsters Academy. “UTR offers great benefits for players and coaches, and adopting the system will allow us to truly understand player level and organize tournaments and events that will help all players improve their performance.”
The Academy will leverage UTR’s suite of community tools and technology, including its tournament and event management system, to organize and run competitive, level-based tennis events for all its tennis programming, including its elite tennis performance training camps. The organization’s professional coaches and staff can get players rated and use the UTR Powered by Oracle tennis rating to compare, evaluate and track players on a single system that works across age, gender and geography.
“We are honored to have the support of Kim Clijsters Academy and are excited to provide our tools and technology to players, coaches and organizers at their world-class academy,” said Mark Leschly, Universal Tennis Chairman & CEO. “More and more professionals and players are recognizing the value of level-based play and a borderless, genderless and ageless rating system to enhance player development and improve the game for players, fans and coaches worldwide.”
Kim Clijsters Academy is a world-class facility based in Bree, Belgium, offering players eight indoor courts, ten outdoor red clay courts, state of the art training equipment and technology, as well as personalized programs from the world’s top coaches and nutritionists. Founded by Kim Clijsters, one of the top women’s tennis champions in history, the academy has welcomed top players including Elise Mertens, Kei Nishikori, Yanina Wickmayer, Ana Konjuh, Sorana Cirstea, Kirsten Flipkens and former Junior No.1 player Kimmer Coppejans.